Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Releases 2024 Annual Report
Harris County, Texas — In a year filled with disasters, the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) stayed focused on its mission of preparing for and responding to emergencies. Today, HCOHSEM releases its 2024 Annual Report, summarizing its operations and key accomplishments over the past year.
In 2024, HCOHSEM activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 14 times for severe weather, including the April/May severe weather and flooding along the San Jacinto River, the May 16 derecho, Hurricane Beryl, the Deer Park pipeline fire, and other special events. Following the derecho event and Hurricane Beryl, Harris County received two presidential disaster declarations, with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) providing over $1 billion in aid to more than 900,000 applicants. Harris County has received 50 Presidential Disaster Declarations since FEMA was established in 1979.
“We had a very busy year, and each disaster helps us better prepare for the next one,” said Harris County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Sloan. “As we continue to recover from the severe weather events of 2024 and prepare for the 2025 hurricane season, we encourage residents to take the appropriate steps to be prepared. It only takes one storm to devastate our community.”
In addition to emergency response, HCOHSEM continues to be heavily engaged in various regional and local projects including the five-year update of the Harris County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, set to be completed in 2025. HCOHSEM’s accomplishments are driven by strong partnerships and a robust outreach program, helping ensure a more prepared and supported Harris County.
“This report highlights our commitment to the residents we serve and the partners who make our success possible. We take great pride in all that we have accomplished and will continue to build upon” added Sloan.
Click here to view the 2024 Annual Report.
ABOUT HCOHSEM
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is the Director of the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, a national model of best practices in emergency planning, preparation, response, and recovery. HCOHSEM helps prepare, safeguard, and protect the residents and property of Harris County from the effects of disasters through effective planning, preparation, response, and recovery activities.
